Jon,
In regards to forgetting to do the "3...2...1", I find that when I remember to do it, it seems to focus my attention. The other night, I made the mistake of trying to PR a book when I was VERY exhausted after a 12 hour shift/watch. I started out doing the "3...2...1", but kept forgetting as I was turning the pages. I think the purpose of the "3...2...1" is to maintain enough of a conscious state of mind while hovering in the Accelerative Learning State. Had I remembered to do that, I think I would have done MUCH better. I am still needing to practice my AL State better.
In summary, it's probably not REQUIRED, but as with any other tool in this system, it's there because it WORKS.
Hope this helps.
BillP(Hagbard)